Local Government Favoritism

About a year ago, the city of Atlanta imposed a 3 am closing time on local bars. This was done in response to the growing amount of late-night violence surrounding the bar scene, and as a non-drinker, non-clubber, the change didn't affect me one whit.

Yesterday's newspaper, however, reported that the city is once again attempting to renovate the image of Underground Atlanta, the city-owned entertainment district. Among the benefits they're pushing is Underground's 4 am closing time for its bars.

Yes, the city imposed an mandatory early closing time for every bar in Atlanta except for those in the one area that the city government has a direct financial interest in. This is why I generally oppose gov't-imposed controls. People and companies can pressure others to act in a way that benefits them; but the gov't can use legal force.